As Per Korac, Colaiacovo is back in, meaning Russell is likely the odd man out on D. He also said Bishop could be recalled if Halak is to sick to go, but since he is the backup that may not be an issue (such as Nabokov for the Isles Thursday).

Here's hoping for a 3-1 Blues win, with Perron scoring again, and Stewart finally getting one. Backes gets a goal too.
I have to work all day, so my friends and I are going to watch it tonight after i get off. Time for media blackout!

Im also not sure which two of Porter/Crombeen/Reaves will play, but perhaps (hopefully) Reaves will get reinserted for Crombeen this afternoon.

Minnesota has been terrible of late, winning just 5 of 27, and losing 6 in a row. This is a must win for the Blues. 4 out of 6 points against CBJ-NYI-MIN is two less than I would have hoped for, but still "decent" as we continue our playoff push. 4-1 StL.

Interesting the Wild are throwing Backstrom at us, since Harding's been the guy the previous three meetings this season. Wild are struggling badly since leading the West at 20-7-3. However, 5-16-6 since then and have lost 6 straight. 4-15-0 in games decided before a shootout. They're pretty physical though and play chippy against the Blues. Last time there was that huge hit on Perron right at the outset. Most games against the Wild are annoyingly grinding sandpaper ones that spend the whole game being close contests. This year, anyway. It would be nice to break that chain. Odd to see two back to back day games but good for the Euro fans.

Blues should be able to grind out a win today. I was looking forward to watching the Backes-Koivu matchup but it looks like it was not to be.

Koivu is someone that Backes usually struggles against but without him, there is really no one who can match up with the big guy, so I expect to see a dominant performance from him today.

If Petro and the Blues team have a weakness though, it's getting to Pietrangelo early and often physically, which is something this core of Wild forwards does really well. Petro needs to move the puck quickly and then protect himself this game, Huskins needs to be there to support him on the puck. This is going to be a real good game to evaluate Huskins' ability to be that top pairing support partner and that may be the most important thing to come out of this game.

Blues should be able to grind out a win today. I was looking forward to watching the Backes-Koivu matchup but it looks like it was not to be.

Koivu is someone that Backes usually struggles against but without him, there is really no one who can match up with the big guy, so I expect to see a dominant performance from him today.

If Petro and the Blues team have a weakness though, it's getting to Pietrangelo early and often physically, which is something this core of Wild forwards does really well. Petro needs to move the puck quickly and then protect himself this game, Huskins needs to be there to support him on the puck. This is going to be a real good game to evaluate Huskins' ability to be that top pairing support partner and that may be the most important thing to come out of this game.

Very astute analysis. Very much looking forward to seeing Huskins play in the way you described. Petro being targeted physically is something the Wings have done very effectively in their building this year. It's going to be the biggest factor IMO in the playoffs. Same for Shattenkirk.

On the chance Kubina put STL on his list (Polak a teammate at Olympics) then it means Colaiacovo won't get hurt at least one more day.